Marina Operators See Tourism Rebound After Cruising Fee Rollback

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BIMINI , BAHAMAS –

Robbie Smith, Dock Master, Bimini Big Game Club:

“Bimini has always been the gateway to fishing. And right now, years have gone by, we’ve been losers on fishing tournaments.”

In July 2025, the Davis administration introduced a new fee structure for foreign pleasure vessels, raising the cost of a six-month cruising permit for boats under 50 feet from $300 to $500, and for vessels between 50 and 100 feet from $600 to $1,000.

The changes also introduced new anchorage fees of up to $1,500, while separate fishing permit charges were added.

The increases triggered widespread complaints from the boating community, with many yachters choosing other destinations, leaving marinas across The Bahamas feeling the impact.

Following months of public outcry, the government revised the fees effective April 1 this year, cutting the cost of temporary cruising permits and eliminating some of the most controversial charges.

Bimini Big Game Club Dock Master Robbie Smith says the difference has been immediate.

Robbie Smith, Dock Master, Bimini Big Game Club:

“The fees back then, which was last year, they were double the fee to clear customs, and a lot of the boats boycotted The Bahamas instead of coming here to really spend money and spend the weekends. So it really put a damper on the island, as well as the other islands.”

Smith says before the price hike, his 82-slip marina regularly operated at about 75 percent occupancy.

After the new fees took effect, he says occupancy fell to between 25 and 30 percent as many boaters decided to stay away.

Now, he says visiting boats have returned, especially during holiday weekends, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.

He says the benefits are being felt far beyond the marina.

Robbie Smith, Dock Master, Bimini Big Game Club:

“Everybody’s happy. All the golf cart vendors, all the fish fry vendors, and everyone else, they’re really happy now because the island is packed with tourists.”

Under the revised fee structure, boaters now pay as little as $150 for a 30-day cruising permit for vessels under 30 feet, while a six-month permit for vessels up to 50 feet has returned to $300.